Microtubule dynamics at the growth cone are mediated by α7 nicotinic receptor activation of a Gαq and IP3 receptor pathway.

ABSTRACT: The α7 nicotinic receptor (α7) plays an important role in neuronal growth and structural plasticity in the developing brain. We have recently characterized a G-protein-signaling pathway regulated by α7 that directs the growth of neurites in developing neural cells. Now we show that choline activation of α7 promotes a rise in intracellular calcium from local ER stores via Gαq signaling, leading to IP3 receptor (IP3R) activation at the growth cone of differentiating PC12 cells. A mutant α7 significantly attenuated in calcium conductance (D44A; P<0.001) was found to be unable to promote IP3R signaling and calcium store release. In addition, calcium elevation via α7 correlates with a significant attenuation in the rate of microtubule invasion of the growth cone (P<0.001). This process was also

SUBMITTER: Nordman JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4062821 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature